Houston’s craft cocktail bar scene has garnered numerous national accolades over the past few years, starting with Anvil Bar and Refuge, which set the standard.  A few Anvil alums have branched out on their own and opened bars recently.  One notable standout is Spare Key, a secluded “secret” upstairs bar run by Chris Frankel.  The bar sits above a popular restaurant, and has no external marking to announce itself except for a stenciled key on a back side door.  

Keep a “key”n eye out

Hmmm, secret boxes, secret bars, not so secret appeal.  Frankel has been lauded for his innovative bar programs around Houston.  At Spare Key, in addition to impeccably executed classics and an incredible specialty cocktail menu, Frankel has launched his “Unlock the States” menu. It features 51 different cocktails, one for each state plus DC.  The cocktails range from old classics to new standards, all related to that state in some fashion.  It’s kind of like pairing a cocktail with a puzzle box, right?  I’m probably the only one who sees it that way, but I’m okay with that.  I thought it would be fun to bring the Keeper’s Key Safe puzzle box to the Spare Key bar, and see what Chris might come up with.  Luckily he was up for the challenge.  He didn’t fare too well with the puzzle box, but in his defense he was trying to open up the bar for the night.  I mentioned that Randal Gatewood, who created the Key Safe box, is from Texas as well, so a Texas themed drink might be in order.

The Gatewood by Chris Frankel

The Texas “Unlock the States” drink is a margarita, but Chris whipped up a new drink he created on the spot for this impromptu challenge.  He combined Sotol, an indigenous Mexican spirit similar to tequila but from a slightly different plant and region, with Cocchi Americano, the light Italian Aperitif, Benedictine, and fresh lemon juice.  The drink was incredibly light and smooth, with subtle smokiness and sweetness.  It’s a delicious Texas treat to complement the Key Safe, and we decided to name it the “Gatewood”.  Here’s to the creative and talented artists who bring such skill to these remarkable creations, and make it look easy.  Cheers!

The Gatewood by Chris Frankel

1.5 oz sotol

.5 oz Cocchi Americano

1 oz lemon

.5 Benedictine

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a favorite glass. Mint sprig for garnish.

If you've got any spare keys, you might want to keep them safe ...